75 years ago: “The San Juan Basin’s three Labor Day celebrations – at Silverton, Bayfield and Dolores – attracted large crowds and were fine successes, according to all reports.”

50 years ago: “Fort Lewis College opens its 1965-66 academic year with first-trimester activities beginning Labor Day, and with expectations for another record enrollment.”

25 years ago: “Sixth-graders are attending Miller and Smiley middle schools for the first time this year. Previously, the two institutions housed junior high school students, grades seven through nine. But this year, ninth-graders are attending Durango High School, and sixth-graders have left the elementary school life for a slightly different atmosphere.”

Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.